Congratulations, Miramonte High School
2017 Mock Trial Winners

Mock
Trial Overview

The Mock
Trial Program is sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation
(CRF). Each year CRF creates a mock trial that addresses serious matters
facing young people today.

Each team
works with teacher and attorney coaches to prepare their version of
the criminal case, both from the prosecution and defense perspective.
Students assume the roles of trial attorneys, pretrial motion attorneys,
witnesses, clerks, and bailiffs. Through these role-playing techniques,
students learn about the content and processes of law in an exciting
and vibrant way. Also, by studying the case and preparing strategies
and arguments for trial, students increase their public speaking skills,
analytical ability and team cooperation.

Some high
schools offer the Mock Trial Program as a class rather than an extra-curricular
activity.

Art
and Journalism Contests

Courtroom
Art Contest  Students may also participate as courtroom artists
by participating in the Courtroom Art Contest, a companion program to
Mock Trials. As courtroom artists, students accompany their Mock Trial
teams and sketch courtroom scenes that are later judged by a team of
art judges. Click here for artist rules and registration. The winner
will represent Contra Costa County at the state finals. :: Download artist rules and
registration (pdf)

Courtroom
Journalism Contest  Interested students will be given an opportunity
to report on a Mock Trial from the perspective of a journalist. As courtroom
reporters, students will accompany their school's Mock Trial teams to
the preliminary rounds of the competition. Courtroom reporters will
then write and submit one 500 word news article on the trial
they attended. Articles will be judged by a panel of specialists. The
winner will represent Contra Costa County at the state finals. ::
Download journalist rules and registration (pdf)

Mock
Trial Competition History

In
1977, the Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) introduced the concept
of mock trials to Los Angeles schools. In 1980, the program expanded
to the state level. The California Mock Trial Program currently involves
more than 35 counties and over 8,000 student participants from more
than 400 teams.

Approximately
1,500 attorney volunteers serve as team coaches and scorers, and 500
Municipal, Superior and Appellate Court judges preside over the trials.

The Contra Costa County Office of Education gratefully acknowledges
GJEL Accident Attorneys for their generous support of the CCCOE Academic Events